Changes in Respiratory and Quality Characteristics of 'Tsugaru' Apple by Storage Temperature

저장온도에 따른 '쓰가루' 사과의 호흡 및 품질특성 변화

The research was conducted to measure the effect of temperature on respiratory and quality characteristics of 'Tsugaru' apple(Malus domestica Borkh) during storage at 4$^{\circ}$C, 10$^{\circ}$C and 20$^{\circ}$C. Respiration rate of the apple just after harvest was 7.57 mL CO$_2$/kg/h at 20$^{\circ}$C. It was decreased rapidly and was 2.86 mL CO$_2$/kg/h after storage for 45 days at 20$^{\circ}$C. The apples showed the highest ethylene production rate at 10$^{\circ}$C and 20$^{\circ}$C after 14 days, and at 4$^{\circ}$C after 28 days during storage. Weight of the apple was reduced by 2.9% after 120 days at 4$^{\circ}$C and by 6.1% after 45 days at 20$^{\circ}$C. Color difference of peel and pH increased with the temperatures but titratable acidity and flesh firmness showed the reverse trends during storage. According to the subjective quality test, it could be suggested that the shelf-life of the apple is 86 days at 4$^{\circ}$C, 65 days at 10$^{\circ}$C and 37 days at 20$^{\circ}$C, respectively.